Hello and Welcome!

Come and Rest. Speak and Listen. Weep and Laugh. Sit and Move. Doubt and Rebuild. Rage and Rejoice. Untether and Belong. Mourn and Make new. Go and Live. I hope to create some of these experiences with you if you commit to working with me because I believe it is through new experience that change really happens. My path to Elbow Tree came through the Chattanooga Fellows program where I began to learn what it means to be human, body, soul, and mind and the purpose found in living a story within a story. 

Let’s explore yours and do some work together! See below…

​Sylvia

certifications

  • Licensed Professional Counselor in TN (LPC-MHSP)
  • Nationally Certified Counselor
  • ​EMDR - Basic
  • Prepare/Enrich Certified Facilitator for Premarital Counseling

education

  • M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Richmont Graduate University
  • B.A. English Literature, Auburn University

scheduling

I do all of my own scheduling. I have a variety of times available M, T, W, Th and F. The quickest and easiest way get an appointment with me is to schedule online. You'll be able to see my available slots and grab one for yourself, as well as leave me personal note if you wish. If the online scheduler is giving you trouble, or if you think there is something we need to discuss before you schedule, feel free to text, call or email.  My office is located in the Southern Saddlery Building at 3069 Broad St. 

payment

Sessions are $135 and last 50 minutes. I accept cash, checks, debit cards, credit cards and health savings account cards. I don't participate in any insurance networks, but I can give you a receipt with CPT and diagnostic codes that you can file yourself and possibly get a rebate back - based on your insurance plan.

counseling for individuals

  • Depression
  • Anxiety 
  • Grief and Loss
  • Trauma Recovering and Processing​
  • Women's issues
  • Major Decisions and Life Transitions
  • Exploring Identity and Navigating Crisis  
  • Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
  • Overwhelming Emotions
  • Communication Skills 
  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation
  • Career Direction and Planning
  • Decision Making
  • Spiritual Direction and Exploration
  • Relationship Issues 
  • Boundaries 
  • Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills 
  • Connection and Affection
  • Growing Spiritually ​
  • Parenting
  • Divorce Recovery 

Intake forms

Take a look at the 6 documents below. (#3 and #5 are long, complex documents required by the Federal Government. I'll put them into laymen's terms for you at the office.  You've likely seen similar documents from other healthcare providers.)   
  • ​Fill out #1 and email to me - or complete at the office.
  • Read #2, #3, and #4 ahead of time (sign electronically at the office - no need to print these out)
  • If you need me to speak with a 3rd party - fill out and email #6 to me - or fill out at the office.

a little more about me...

I graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in English and since then, have made Chattanooga my home for the past six years. I am married to George, who is also in the helping sector as a personal trainer.

​I believe all human beings were created with dignity and designed for wholeness. However, through trauma or harmful messaging from our various contexts, we lose the grounding these truths can bring and become fragmented from ourselves and others. Through the counseling process, I hope to help you integrate lost parts of you to become more secure and fully known. ​

As a former English major, I believe words matter.  So I hope to help you find the language you need to make sense of your experiences, to equip you to speak them aloud and feel empowered doing so.  I desire for us together to find meaning in your story, perhaps editing it along the way, so that you can eventually take ownership of it.  What would it be like for you to understand and embrace your unique humanity?  I look forward to joining you on that journey towards freedom and wholeness.